TALE OF THE TAPE

Tale Of The Tape: New York Giants At Washington Redskins

New York Giants

Washington Redskins

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

(Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Quarterback

Winner
The Giants played well in their Week 12 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, as Eli Manning did not throw an interception and looked confident throughout the game. Manning has struggled for the majority of the season and his 14-17 TD-interception ratio is a big reason why the Giants lost their first six games and have been fighting an uphill battle all season.

The Redskins have been even more disappointing than the Giants. They slipped to 3-8 with their Week 12 Monday night loss to the 49ers and Robert Griffin III must bear some of the responsibility for the struggles. He often tries to force passes that he has no business throwing. Additionally, RGIII doesn’t look as quick or fast as he was last year and it’s unlikely he will get that first step back this year.

Offense

Winner
The Giants have found a decent running game with Andre Brown, who has been running with speed and power the last couple of games. Additionally, the Giants are getting improved play from the offensive line, an area that was struggling in the first half of the season. Wide receiver Victor Cruz is the Giants’ top big-play threat, while Rueben Randle knows how to get open and run after the catch.

Winner
The Redskins did not have much success with their running attack against the 49ers, but Alfred Morris has a great chance to improve on the 52 yards he had against the Niners. Morris combines power with surprising shiftiness once he gets to the second level. Pierre Garcon knows how to get open and he will hold on to the ball.

Defense

Winner
The Giants got off to a poor start this year on the defensive side of the ball, but they now have the 12th-rated defense in the league. While the Giants had a good second half against the Cowboys, they could not stop Tony Romo on the final drive of the game. Strong safety Antrel Rolle has five interceptions, leads the team with 62 tackles and he has also been credited with 14 passes defensed.

The Redskins have not been competitive on defense this season, and that their inability to make plays was obvious against the 49ers because struggling Colin Kaepernick threw three TD passes against them. They rank 29th in yards allowed, and they simply don’t have the speed to keep up with athletic teams. Linebackers Perry Riley and London Fletcher have combined for 147 tackles.

Special Teams

Winner
The Giants suffered a lot of early-season wounds on special teams as their punt coverage team gave up three TD returns. Placekicker Josh Brown has had a good year, making 17-of-19 FG attempts. Punter Steve Weatherford is averaging 47.2 yards per punt.

Special teams have been a disaster all season for the Redskins. It often seems that it’s just a matter of time before they give up a big play. Kai Forbath is just an ordinary placekicker and he seems unlikely to connect on a clutch field goal. Sav Rocca is just an ordinary punter.

The Winner Is

WinnerNew York Giants

4 out of 4

The Giants were miserable at the start of the season, but they are playing much more competitive football right now. The Redskins appear to be getting worse.